The “perfect” guide to exploring Lagos this December 🎄

When it comes to enjoyment and relaxation, Lagosians always have a thing or two to say; a place or two to recommend. From fantastic food spots to fun, sweaty parties and concerts, and thrilling activities, there is good fun to be had in Lagos on any budget level.

We curated this list of five exciting, memorable activities you can engage in to unwind this December, whether you’ve been fighting traffic all year with the rest of us in Lagos or you’ve just gotten back from Europe or the Americas and are spoiling for some good ol’ onwa decemba experience.

1 — Chase an adrenaline pump; do something physically stimulating with friends.

A thrilling December experience you can engage in with friends is braving the longest canopy walkway in Africa at the Lekki Conservation Center. This 1,316ft long journey on a secure walkway is guaranteed to give you an adrenaline pump, especially if you’re doing it with friends. It also promises an opportunity to take in the sprawling greenery below and appreciate the nature around.

If walking across the longest canopy walkway in Africa isn’t stimulating enough for you and your friends, you could try a “friendly” match of paintball shooting at the Leisure Sports Paintball, near Landmark Beach. Split into teams and compete for most kills with your friends in a safe, controlled environment. Or you can surf the waves at Tarkwa Bay and allow the crashing waves wash over you.

If surfing is an activity you'd like to try out but you don't know how to get started, the guys at Sapele Surf can help you get started and surf safely for a wonderful time.

2 — Try delicious new meals or new, tastier versions of your favourite meals at the best restaurants around.

If you’re all about food (I mean, who isn’t?), you should explore good, exciting and tasty new meals at restaurants around Lagos, from Prime Restaurant, a 24-hour Chinese restaurant where they offer a variety of traditional and modern versions of authentic Chinese flavours, to the famous Cactus Lagos, where there is space for everyone, whether you’re looking to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

For those who have missed the local dishes and would like to be reminded again what Amala actually tastes like, then Nok by Alara is the perfect place to go for a treat. Here you’re guaranteed a tasteful experience without the attending grime and potential cholera of street-side Amala joints.

3 — Refresh your memory and enthral your mind with African Art & Culture

At the famous Nike Center for Art and Culture, you’re guaranteed to find art, sculpture and crafts from Nigerian artists of different skill and renown, meet with exciting young Nigerians curious about the artistry of the day, and—if you’re lucky—meet Oyenike, the legendary founder of this hotspot for arts, herself. Explore the art gallery and take advantage of the opportunity to purchase something that catches your eye.

If you’ve ever moved to the rhythm of Fela’s music and wondered what inspired such thrilling lyrical brilliance, perhaps you will find answers at the Kalakuta Museum. Experience the story of Fela’s music, activism, unusual lifestyle and fascinating history overall.

If you’re curious about the arts, you can visit Terra Kulture, an arts, cultural and educational center, where plays, art exhibitions and book readings are the order of the day. You can either visit Terra Kulture on a day scheduled for a performance or check out their art gallery and bookstore, or eat Nigerian foods at the attached restaurant.

4 — Attend a concert or two; hangout with your favourite artistes and scream their best lyrics till your chest hurts.

In case you missed it, ShowDemCamp has announced their concert for Lagos in December. So, if you’re a fan and want to scream lyrics from “These Buhari Times” at the top of your voice, you know what to do 👇🏾

If you’d prefer a more chill, highlife vibe for your December relaxation, then consider buying tickets to The Cavemen concert happening in Lagos on the 29th. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear some of your favourite songs live.

Beyond the allure of music concerts, you can enjoy a great night of music, dance, drinks and connections at South Socials or Obi’s House, where the fun is special and the energy is always through the roof.

5 — Step away from the busyness of Lagos into the tranquil of Epe or Badagry

In Epe, a tranquil experience awaits you on the coast. The Epe Mangroves is the home of a small Yoruba community where the hurry of Lagos living is not known. There you will find a fish market where you can indulge yourself in a variety of fish species or you can take a boat ride through the mangroves and soak in all that nature.

Similar to Epe’s mangroves, the historic town of Badagry offers an insight into the tragic history of the Slave Trade and the havoc of colonial era slavery across the region. A visit to this town is sure to bring a deluge of emotions with it, but it is one that many Nigerians have referred to as ultimately refreshing. Whether you’re going with friends or going alone, be sure to fully explore the history and culture on display here.

Did we miss anything of note? Tell us in the comments.

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